Boy (13) kills uncle

A 13-year-old Plumtree boy allegedly killed his 15-year-old uncle after striking him with an iron bar following a misunderstanding over why he was standing on the bed.

Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident saying it occurred on the morning of January 19 at the homestead of the deceased's parents.

"I can confirm that on Sunday at around 11am, a 13-year-old juvenile from Madlambuzi area under Chief Masendu allegedly struck his uncle aged 15 with an iron bar following a misunderstanding over why he (the accused) was standing on the bed," he said.

"The uncle died after being admitted at Butshe Clinic in Plumtree around 8pm. As police, we discourage parents from displaying attributes of violence as children will inherit them. They should desist from domestic violence and solve their issues amicably."

It is said the now deceased found the 13-year-old standing on the bed in their bedroom hut and asked him why he was doing so.

The misunderstanding degenerated into a fierce fight and in the process the 13-year-old boy grabbed an iron bar and struck his uncle once at the back of the head. The uncle lost consciousness and realising danger, the boy informed a neighbour, who ferried the uncle to Butshe Clinic where he was admitted, but died later in the evening.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the 13-year-old boy. The deceased's body was taken to the United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post mortem.